Detroit: Engine of America

by R.J. King

This is the story of how, starting in 1701, a crude French settlement along the Detroit River became, in 1900, the birthplace of the automotive industry. The first 100 inhabitants led by explorer Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac, with the guidance of Native American tribes, built a fledgling economy of fishing, farming, and hunting, the latter propelled mightily by the fur trade. As the populace sputtered and grew, they developed the machinery and skilled trades that produced in volume wagons, stagecoaches, steamships, hearths, locomotives, boxcars, furniture, stoves, equipment, marine engines, pharmaceutical drugs, and finally, the horseless carriage. Detroit's grit and brawn ignited what is the first city in the Midwest; ingenuity and self-sufficiency thrust it on the world stage.

155 pages, Hardcover

Published May 15, 2019

About the author

R.J. King is the author of four books, “Detroit: Engine of America,” named a Finalist in the Midwest Book Awards, “Passport to the Corner Office: The Starter’s Guide to Corporate Life,” “8 Track: The First Mobile App,” and “Mystical.” King also is editor of DBusiness magazine, DBusiness Daily News, Tech and Mobility News, Detroit 500, and Michigan Makers, plus host of the How To Grow Your Business Podcast. DBusiness and related media offerings cover companies in metro Detroit and Michigan that are expanding locally, nationally, and internationally. Since 2011, DBusiness magazine has been honored with more than 35 Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals in the Editorial Excellence Awards from the Alliance of Area Business Publishers, including being named the top regional business magazine in the country. Prior to launching DBusiness in 2006, Mr. King was a business writer for The Detroit News for 16 years, where he wrote more than 4,000 articles covering economic development, automotive, aerospace, health care, technology, transportation, and other business sectors. Mr. King is a board member of the Brother Rice Business Alliance, Beyond Basics, Detroit Aircraft Corp., Detroit Spacecraft Corp., ASX, and the Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce. In addition, he serves on the Board of Trustees for The Parade Co. He is a member of the Detroit Athletic Club, and on the board of the DAC Executives Club and the DAC Car Club. He also is a member of the Boston-Edison Historic District and the University of Michigan Alumni Association. In 2014, Mr. King was inducted into the International Heritage Foundation’s Heritage Hall of Fame.

Reviews

[Detroit: Engine of America Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finalist Midwest Book Awards

“It’s a beautiful book and it’s done so well.”
— Mitch Albom, Author, Columnist, Host on WJR-AM

“In his new book, R.J. King covers Detroit like no else. The story of the city’s founding and growth is all about entrepreneurism."
— Jeff Sloan, co-founder and host, StartUpNation Radio

“R.J. King’s book provides great insight on leadership and how people working together can accomplish amazing things.”
— Vanessa Denha-Garmo, Host, “It’s Your Community," WJR-AM

"I found (it) to be a fascinating read ... arguably the most comprehensive history of our city I have ever read!”
— Ron Lamparter, Chairman, Defense Corridor Center for Collaboration and Synergy

"I love the layout, the art work, the paper used, and the bible-type ribbon book mark. Just fantastic!”
— Joseph Polito, owner, Woodward Warehouse

“We bought 100 books and we’re giving them out as gifts. It’s a great read!”
— Linzie Vengas, Vice President, Ideal Group

"I just finished your book and LOVED it! It was rich, informative, and very well-written. Thank you for writing this book. It will give people joy for years to come.” — Josef Bastian, Author, Producer, Creator of Folktellers Universe

Detroit News, July 25, 2019
https://www.detroitnews.com/story/ent...
https://bit.ly/2Y6ffhJ

Strategic Staffing Solutions
“Congratulations to R.J. King on a great book about our beloved city, ‘Detroit: Engine of America.’”

“It’s an outstanding book.”
— Bob Bury, President and CEO, Fair Lane Home of Clara and Henry Ford, former President and CEO, Detroit Historical Museum

”Detroit: Engine of America” is a must read for a person like me — born in Detroit and one who has spent most of my life living in metro Detroit. It is rich in local history and highlights important advancements, breakthroughs, and inventions. It provides me with a layer of knowledge and respect for our founding fathers. Now, many of the local streets, buildings, structures, and organizations take on new meaning and greater historic perspective. Thank you for writing this book.”
— Mike Lapinski, Automotive Supplier Executive